
What SA can learn from Canada’s road safety success
While the US battles soaring road deaths, Canada achieved an 18% decline through comprehensive safety policies. Could South Africa replicate this success?
- Industry News
- 5 August 2025
The automotive business council, naamsa, recently released the 2023 new vehicle statistics and for the fourth consecutive year, Mercedes-Benz Trucks claimed the market leader position for heavy commercial vehicles, reaffirming why the Mercedes-Benz Actros won the naamsa Extra-Heavy Commercial Vehicle of the Year award in 2023 in South Africa.
The Actros range for construction and distribution, significantly grew its unit sales in 2023 compared with the previous year. This once again indicates that the construction industry is regaining momentum and that the Actros, which is focusing on reduced maintenance costs for customers, is a force to be reckoned with.
“In a market where customers are spoilt for choice, we are beyond being grateful for our customers who trust Mercedes-Benz Trucks to support their businesses. We are positive that the heavy commercial vehicle market will remain strong, and we look forward to further serving our customers in 2024,” says Maretha Gerber, Vice President Sales and Marketing, Daimler Truck Southern Africa.
In addition, Daimler Truck Southern Africa (DTSA) and its brands, Mercedes-Benz Trucks, FUSO Trucks and Mercedes-Benz Buses, remain the largest Commercial Vehicle seller in South Africa, ranking number 1 in the Top 15, according to naamsa’s Industry New Vehicle Sales Report, December 2023.
While the US battles soaring road deaths, Canada achieved an 18% decline through comprehensive safety policies. Could South Africa replicate this success?
President Cyril Ramaphosa has expressed strong confidence in South Africa's automotive industry, stating it is making crucial investments to build resilience and lead the transition to green mobility despite mounting global pressures.
South Africa is scrambling to protect its economy after USA’s President Donald Trump signed sweeping tariff measures targeting the country's key exports, potentially putting 100 000 jobs at risk, reported Reuters on 1 August.